NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2006

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. in the Conference Room of the Board of Defiance County Commissioners, 500 Court Street, Suite A, Defiance, Ohio 43512 on Monday, March 6, 2006. Chairman Thomas L. Kime called the meeting to order. Also present were Commissioner Richard Cromwell, Becky Wagner, Administrator, Lyla Gurwell, Clerk and Joanne Goerlitz, Deputy Clerk.

8:30 A.M. Russ Herman, Defiance County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney came in for his bi-weekly update.

Russ discussed he is currently reviewing the contracts for the Bituminous Materials Bid that was opened in mid February.

Russ also continues to work with Erin Strausbaugh, attorney for American Ag Fuels concerning the Lease agreement. Nothing has been decided at this point.

Russ also mentioned that he is waiting to receive word from Wal-Mart attorneys regarding the Environmental Covenant. The area consists of approximately 3,600 linear feet of land, including a portion of the Tiffin river

9:00 A.M. General Session - The Commissioners were presented with various resolutions and documents for approval. Commissioners also reviewed agenda items, discussed upcoming meetings and reviewed and updated the calendar of events.

10:00 A.M. Warren Schlatter, Defiance County Engineer came in for his weekly update.

Warren sent notice that Adams Ridge Road between Flory Road and Banner School Road will be closed on March 6, 2006 for approximately 3-5 days for culvert replacement. There will be no bus or emergency access during this period of time.

Warren also brought in a Memorandum of Understanding stating the Board of County Commissioners and the State of Ohio are planning to make road improvements to Elliott Road in 2006 to include widening of the roadway for the anticipated increase in traffic resulting from the US 24 improvement project.

The MOU also states that Keller Development Company plans to place a new access to the company’s property at approximately 750 feet west of Carpenter Road for the addition of a third lane to allow westbound traffic to turn left into the Keller Development Company property.

10:30 A.M. Deb Gilgenbach, Cardiovascular Health Grant Project Director for the Health Department and Sandy Schlachter, Health Educator also with the Health Department came in to discuss the implementation of the Walking Trail at Defiance County East.

The trail will border the parking lot and the wooded area around Defiance County East and will have the proper signage and pavement markings near dangerous points such as driveway access areas to let motorists know to be aware of pedestrian usage. Deb Gilgenbach mentioned the signage for the Walking Trail is being funded by the cardiovascular Health Grant.

Although the walking trail would be used by Defiance County Employees as well as the general public, the Walking Trail will also be used to promote worksite wellness.

Deb and Sandy discussed a 2005 Defiance County Needs Assessment survey that was done. The numbers indicated that 86% of the Defiance County Adults surveyed reported they would support the establishment of a Rails to Trails walking/biking system in Defiance County and 77% of Defiance County Adults surveyed reported they would use a Rails to Trails walking/ biking system in Defiance County to increase their physical activity level.

Also mentioned was the Public Health Week. It will be observed on April 3 through April 9, 2006. There are several events planned and Deb & Sherry requested permission to have a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of the walking trail on April 3, 2006.

News Release Approved: ________________________________

Thomas L. Kime, Commissioner